Examines the Cherokees' deliberate adoption of the laws of the white man, focusing on the blood feud--a retaliation system designed to deal with homicide. Discusses cultural bases of Cherokee law and factors influencing the change to a jury system and noted key events of the adoption period (1797 to 1840). (JHZ)

The Tribal Issues Management System was adopted in 1990 by the Comanche tribe to end internal conflict and promote participative decision making by the tribal community. Such a return to community- and tribal-wide inclusive consideration of public concerns results in action, restores trust and harmonious relations, and recreates feelings of…

This report describes economic development projects that were funded during 1994-95 by the First Nations Development Institute. The Institute was established in 1980 to help tribes build sound, sustainable reservation economies. Through the Eagle Staff Fund, the Institute regrants funds for culturally viable economic development projects from a…

Kickapoo Nation School, a tribally controlled K-grade 12 school, owned and administered by the Kickapoo Tribe in Kansas since 1981, is examined as a case study of the implementation of the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act of 1975 (P.L. 93-638). The tribal school, viewed as a reflection of the tribe's ongoing goal of self…

Traces the emergence of multiculturalism in Canada, determination of multicultural policy, inconsistent government efforts to recognize cultural specialties, and ethnocultural reactions encountered by immigrants to Canada. Examines Native response of embarking on local control and difficulties presented. Charges that multiculturalism policies have…

Given the rich tapestry of tribal cultures in the United States, it is presumptuous to assume that any evaluator, whether an Alaskan Native or a member of an American Indian tribe (or a non-Indian), can understand the culture of every group. Rather than trying to master multiple cultural specificities, the goal of a competent evaluator, especially…

This book documents meetings with Native American elders who shared their tribal stories of origin, sacred traditions, social life and customs, and traditional wisdom. The idea for the book began when a Cherokee medicine man requested that his tribal knowledge be documented for future generations. For the past 10 years, the spiritual elders of…

This book relates the history of the Choctaw Nation before and after the Indian Removal Act of 1830, which forced some Mississippi Choctaw to flee to Oklahoma. Some Choctaws nonetheless chose to remain in Mississippi, and today the tribe occupies eight reservation communities scattered throughout that state. The book constitutes a case study of…

Traces the development of federal-Indian relations as a prelude to current Indian environmental issues. Illustrates the exploitation of reservation economies by energy corporations and the federal government, especially in the area of water rights. Notes problems within tribal governments as they attempt to coexist with the 20th century. (SB)

This book aims to fill part of the gap that exists between commonly held misconceptions and the realities of American Indian history and modern life. Part I discusses the "doctrine of discovery," a European legal theory invented to justify the acquisition of Indian lands, and explains why the issue of discovery has had so great an impact…

A hearing before the United States Senate Committee on the Judiciary concerning S. 1818, a bill to prevent sexual molestation of children in Indian country, provides a forum for witnesses and describes a child advocacy program. Three witnesses from Fort Peck Reservation, Montana, describe incidence and characteristics of sexual abuse on the…

The Indian Child Welfare Act of 1978 (I.C.W.A.) is federal legislation which preempts state law whenever Indian children may be removed from their families. The I.C.W.A. permits Indian tribal courts to decide the future of Indian children, establishes minimum federal standards for removal of Indian children from their families, requires that…

With the emphasis changing from paternalism by the federal government to self determination, it is time to set aside tribal politics and work toward developing, strengthening and improving Pueblo governments and leaders. By incorporating basic management techniques into the operation of tribal governments while taking into account laws of the…

Presents chronological socio-economic account of Grassy Narrows Reserve, focusing on the 1962-1970 mercury pollution that poisoned the reserve's river system and on resulting negotiations between the Ojibway people of Grassy Narrows, the government, and the polluting company. Examines the question of Grassy Narrows people gaining autonomy over the…

Introduces four papers presented at the 1985 Newberry Seminars on the History of American Indian Leadership. Emphasizes need for recognition of rich political traditions and distinctive modes of governance in breaking down barriers between Indian history and history of other American groups. Points out dynamic nature of native institutions. (LFL)